Abstract:
: This study examines the development of a collective historical memory and the relevant
obstacles that hinder harmonious symbiosis in the socio-culturally and economically heterogeneous
South African society through social awareness, mutual acceptance, assimilation, and integration.
By analysing the role of three renown social movements, namely #FeesMustFall, #RhodesMustFall,
and #BlackLivesMatter, the study explores their inclusive potential through their unifying dynamics
as well pedagogically, their thematic introduction in the Visual Arts class especially their impact
on teachers’/learners’ interaction. The subject matter is approached from three critical angles: a)
nationally, by an analysis of the controversial concept of collective historical memory in the South
African cultural and historical context; b) educationally, through a pedagogical examination of the
#hashtag platform inclusive dynamics for organising constructive social movements, attracting
public participation, evoking social empathy, and facilitating open communication; and c)
pedagogically, by assessing the educational role of Visual Arts approaches in developing critical
thinking and creativity, and socially relevant to collective national consciousness. This includes
understanding social awareness of community needs, engaging in collective protests for social
justice and equality within the South African socio-historical context. To assess the collective
influence of the #hashtag approach and its power to transform and innovate the South African
educational system through an inclusive approach, the research discussed existing studies from a
critical viewpoint. The findings bring to the fore the advantageous contributions as well as potential
obstacles social media may cause to social movements, highlighting the urgent need for South
Africa to foster a cohesive social exchange between different societal groups and dismantle the
deeply-rooted barriers in the historically fragmented society. The dynamics of activism, information
dissemination, and collective behaviour in the digital age of nowadays are central issues in
understanding the intersection of social movements, social media, and socially relevant arts
education. Additionally, promoting inclusion through the integration of social movement
knowledge into educational curricula (such as History, Sociology, Communication, and Languages)
can prepare and empower young individuals to critically engage with societal issues and contribute
to positive social transformation
